Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer with many of us having an “extra day off” from work. You may have celebrated by grilling and hitting the beach or lake as I did with extended family this weekend at the lake.
Or you may have had a quiet rainy weekend watching movies, reading, or catching up on projects. But I couldn’t let this day go by without acknowledging the service of all the military on this Memorial Day especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Being the wife of a Marine for over 22 years (now retired) and having many friends and family who have also served, I’ve experienced first-hand the sacrifice and challenges both the service members and family members go every day. We can’t say thank them enough.
And since it is Memorial Day, I thought I would bring attention to a national memorial you might 
not be aware of and that is practically in my back yard. Just a short drive from Smith Mountain Lake and located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Bedford, VA is the incredibly poignant National D-Day Memorial. Why Bedford and not Washington DC? Because Bedford suffered the greatest loss per capita during the D-Day invasion and was chosen to symbolize the loss all communities, large and small, realized on that day. Located on 88 acres, you can walk the grounds on your own but I highly recommend go on a guided tour to capture the true magnitude of the events on that day. It’s hard to describe the beauty and symbolism of the many pieces to this memorial, you just have to see it and do the tour. If you are ever in the area….make the time. You won’t be disappointed.
Happy Memorial Day!
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